STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Liaisons"
(fka "The Journey")
#40277-254
Story by
Roger Eschbacher & Jaq Greenspan
Teleplay by
Jeanne Carrigan-Fauci & Lisa Rich
Directed by
Cliff Bole
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1993 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
FINAL DRAFT
JULY 6, 1993
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Liaisons"
CAST
PICARD BYLETH
RIKER LOQUEL
DATA PILOT
BEVERLY ANNA
TROI BOY
WORF
GEORDI
Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES
N.D. ENGINEERS
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Liaisons"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
WORF'S QUARTERS
SHUTTLEBAY PLANET'S SURFACE
TEN FORWARD
CORRIDOR ALIEN SHUTTLECRAFT
ENGINEERING
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
RIKER'S QUARTERS
ALIEN SHUTTLECRAFT
CARGO FREIGHTER
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Liaisons"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BUSSARD buh-SARD
BYLETH BYE-leth
IYAARANS ee-YAR-uns
IYAR ee-YAR
KTARIAN kit-AR-ee-un
PAPALLA puh-PALL-uh
TARVOKIAN tar-VOKE-ee-un
TERELLIAN teh-RELL-ee-un
VOVAL voh-VALL
ANNA AH-nah
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: The Next Generation
"Liaisons"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS
CLOSE ON WORF'S FACE. He looks disgusted. Off camera,
his hands are working furiously at something... and he
grows more and more agitated by whatever he's doing...
2 WIDEN TO REVEAL
Worf standing in front of a mirror. He is wearing a
Starfleet DRESS UNIFORM -- a thigh-level tunic with
pants underneath. He is attempting to tie an ornate
SASH around his chest, but it isn't easy. He steps
back and takes a look -- it's crooked and sloppy.
Frustrated, he undoes the sash and starts tying it
again. He just can't get it right...
The door CHIMES.
WORF
Enter.
RIKER ENTERS, also in a dress uniform. He's surprised
to see that Worf is not ready.
RIKER
Worf, they're going to be here any
minute.
Worf tugs at his sash -- it's hopeless.
WORF
I am having... problems.
Riker moves over and starts to help him tie the sash.
RIKER
If I didn't know you better, I'd
say you were procrastinating.
WORF
Klingons do not procrastinate.
Riker gives him a look, and Worf is forced to back down
a bit.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
WORF
(continuing)
It is a... tactical delay.
RIKER
(tying sash)
All you have to do is spend five
minutes greeting the Iyaarans and
another hour or so making small
talk at the reception. I'm the
one who has to spend the next
three days escorting them around
the ship.
WORF
I do not enjoy these diplomatic
situations.
RIKER
It's all part of being in
Starfleet.
(ties sash)
There.
They look in the mirror. Worf eyes his dress uniform --
the sash... the short-hemmed tunic.
WORF
And I do not see why it is
necessary to wear these ridiculous
uniforms.
RIKER
Protocol.
WORF
They look like... dresses.
RIKER
Worf, that is a remarkably
outmoded and sexist attitude. I'm
surprised at you.
They head for the door.
RIKER
(continuing)
Besides, you look great in a
dress.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
OFF Worf's look...
CUT TO:
3 INT. SHUTTLEBAY
An ALIEN SHUTTLECRAFT sits in the bay. PICARD and TROI
(Picard in his jacket, carrying a duffel bag; Troi in
dress uniform;) are facing the shuttle. Riker and Worf
are also present. Clearly, this is a very important
moment for all of them. Except for Worf, who looks
distinctly uncomfortable.
The shuttle doors OPEN and three distinctive-looking
aliens -- IYAARANS -- step out to greet the group.
AMBASSADOR LOQUEL... AMBASSADOR BYLETH... and the
shuttle's PILOT, VOVAL. All three wear featureless
clothing -- there are NO ornaments or extraneous
styling whatsoever -- it should suggest a purely
functional, utilitarian garment.
Picard steps forward to greet the Ambassadors.
PICARD
Ambassador Loquel... Ambassador
Byleth. I'm Captain Picard.
Welcome aboard the Enterprise.
The Ambassadors bow politely, a ceremonial gesture.
LOQUEL
It is our pleasure to be here,
Captain.
PICARD
We are honored to be the site of
the first cultural exchange
between the Iyaaran people and the
Federation.
BYLETH
Yes, yes. The next seven days
should prove most illuminating.
Loquel gestures toward the pilot.
LOQUEL
Allow me to introduce Voval. He
will be taking you back to our
homeworld.
Picard nods and smiles at the pilot.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - TEASER 4.
3 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Pleased to meet you.
The pilot stares back silently, a neutral expression on
his face. It throws Picard off for just a second, then --
PICARD
(to Ambassadors)
I'm looking forward to meeting
with the Premier of Iyar.
4 INLCUDE WORF
as the diplomatic pleasantries continue. He is bored
stiff...
PICARD
(continuing)
There will be a reception in your
honor where you'll meet the rest
of the Senior Staff. I'll be on
my way to your home world, of
course -- but I'm leaving you in
the hands of my most experienced
officers.
He gestures toward Worf.
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf, of the Klingon
Empire, is our head of security.
He will be responsible for your
safety while you're on board.
Worf nods stiffly, and Byleth in particular takes
notice of him, staring intently. Picard moves on, but
Byleth continues to look at Worf.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - TEASER 4A.
4 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Counselor Deanna Troi from the
Planet Betazed will be your
personal liaison, Ambassador
Loquel.
Troi smiles and steps forward.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - TEASER 5.
4 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
Ambassador Loquel, it's an honor
to meet you. May I show you to
your quarters before we attend the
reception?
LOQUEL
Please.
Loquel follows Troi toward the door.
PICARD
And my First Officer, Commander
William Riker from the planet
Earth, will be assigned to you,
Ambassador Byleth.
BYLETH
(looking at Worf)
I want this one.
Worf reacts to this, puzzled and surprised. Picard
looks from one to the other.
PICARD
Commander Riker is a skilled
diplomat, with wide experience in
inter-species contact --
BYLETH
I'm sure, I'm sure. But I have
decided. I want this Lieutenant
Worf.
Worf looks stricken... glances at Picard for
salvation... but Picard wants to accommodate.
PICARD
Well. That will be -- just fine.
Mister Worf... ?
There's no out. Worf takes a breath, turns to Byleth.
WORF
Yes... Ambassador, I would be
pleased to --
BYLETH
(waving dismissal)
Yes, yes. Enough of that. Show
me to my quarters.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - TEASER 5A.
4 CONTINUED: (3)
And he turns and stalks toward the door. Worf gives
one last desperate look toward Riker, then follows
Byleth. Riker exchanges a glance with Picard. This
should be interesting...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT ONE 6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse.
6 INT. TEN FORWARD
The reception is in progress. Riker, Worf, Troi and
DATA are there with several other Starfleet Officers.
(They are still in their dress uniforms.) A large
BUFFET TABLE has been set-up -- it's topped with
various FOOD and DRINKS.
7 ON TROI AND AMBASSADOR LOQUEL
moving along the buffet table. Troi holds an empty
plate; Loquel also holds a plate, but his is piled high
with food. As they talk, he keeps putting more food
onto his plate.
TROI
So first thing tomorrow, I thought
I'd take you on a tour... show you
the operational centers and the
residential decks of the ship.
Then after that, we could spend
some time discussing some of the
cultural underpinnings of your
society --
LOQUEL
Are you going to eat?
Troi stops.
TROI
Excuse me?
He gestures at her empty plate.
LOQUEL
You have no food on your plate.
Are you going to eat?
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT ONE 7.
7 CONTINUED:
TROI
Oh... actually, I was waiting
until we got to the dessert tray.
He looks at her, not entirely clear on the concept.
LOQUEL
"Dessert... " What is that?
TROI
It's something we eat after the
main course. It's usually very
sweet... usually very bad for
you. We eat it purely for
pleasure.
(beat)
If you ask me, it's the best part
of any meal.
He considers this.
LOQUEL
My people eat only for
nourishment.
Troi leads him to the DESSERT TRAY, which is filled
with various treats. Loquel looks on with fascination.
TROI
(continuing)
Let me introduce you to some of my
favorites...
(indicates desserts)
Here we have peach cobbler with
whipped cream. Tarvokian powder
cake...
(beat)
But over here -- this is my very
favorite.
Troi indicates a dome-shaped confection half the size
of a bowling ball -- and completely covered with
chocolate.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT ONE 8.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
(continuing)
This is a Ktarian Chocolate Puff.
I'm not exactly sure what's in
it... but I think there are at
least seventeen varieties of
chocolate inside.
Troi takes a modest slice and puts it on her plate,
offers it to him. Loquel takes a small bite with his
fork... considers the taste... then reacts with intense
pleasure. He tries to find words to describe the
sensation...
LOQUEL
It is... it is...
TROI
Delicious?
LOQUEL
(smiles at the word)
"Delicious... "
Troi smiles.
TROI
Ambassador... I think we're going
to get along very well.
She gestures toward a table.
TROI
Shall we?
He nods. Troi moves toward the table to sit down.
Loquel eyes the dessert tray a moment, then innocently
picks up the entire platter of desserts and follows
Troi...
8 WORF, BEVERLY AND AMBASSADOR BYLETH
sitting at a table. They all have food in front of
them. Byleth takes a bite of his food, reacts with
disgust. He shoves his plate of food toward Worf.
BYLETH
This is unacceptable.
WORF
I am sorry if you do not care for
our --
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT ONE 9.
8 CONTINUED:
BYLETH
Bring me new food. I require a
higher protein and enzymatic
content.
Worf takes a beat, tries to hold his temper. Beverly
intercedes.
BEVERLY
Our custom in a situation like
this is to serve ourselves. It's
called a "buffet," and usually
people prefer to choose --
BYLETH
(to Worf, as if to a
child)
Bring... me... new... food.
Worf rises stiffly as Beverly tries to reach Byleth.
BEVERLY
Ambassador...
WORF
It is all right, Doctor. I am
happy to bring more food.
Worf moves off to the buffet table. He picks up a long
knife and begins cutting at some meat... going at it
with a decidedly violent sub-text. Data approaches.
DATA
(to Worf)
How is your diplomatic assignment
progressing so far?
WORF
(terse)
Fine.
Data watches as Worf hacks at the meat.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT ONE 10.
8 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
I have found that in moments of
diplomatic tension, it is often
helpful to find elements of
commonality.
Worf considers this for a moment.
WORF
Ambassador Byleth is...
demanding... temperamental...
rude...
DATA
(innocently)
You share all of those qualities
in abundance. Perhaps you should
build on your similarities.
Worf shoots him an irritated look, grumbles and walks
off with the plate of food. OFF Data's look -- he was
only trying to help...
CUT TO:
9 EXT. SPACE - ALIEN SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)
The shuttle seen in the Teaser, at impulse.
10 INT. ALIEN SHUTTLECRAFT
The Pilot (Voval) seen earlier is at the controls.
(There's a small INSIGNIA PIN on the Pilot's uniform at
the sternum. It should not call attention to itself in
any way.) Picard is sitting next to him, trying his
best to strike up a conversation with the man. It
isn't easy. The Pilot is unresponsive, apparently
uninterested in anything Picard has to say.
PICARD
So... I understand your homeworld
has some of the most spectacular
crystal formations in the sector.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT ONE 11.
10 CONTINUED:
The Pilot just grunts and stares straight ahead. An
awkward beat.
PICARD
(continuing)
Is there any place in particular
that you recommend I visit while
I'm there?
PILOT
No.
Picard sees that a conversation with the man is all but
impossible.
PICARD
Yes, well... what's our ETA?
PILOT
Seventeen hours, thirty-two
minutes.
Picard reacts -- it's going to be a long trip. He
stands.
PICARD
I think I'll go update my
itinerary...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT ONE 12.
10 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard moves toward the rear of the shuttle. Suddenly --
WHAM! The shuttle is JOLTED and all of the lights GO
OFF. EMERGENCY LIGHTS come up. Picard quickly sits
down.
PICARD
What happened?
The Pilot scans the console.
PILOT
There has been a system wide power
failure.
PICARD
What's the cause?
PILOT
(working)
We have entered an energy
disruption field. I do not
recognize the configuration.
The shuttle ROCKS HARD and keeps TREMBLING.
PILOT
(off console)
Attitude controls failing.
The shuttle is LURCHING to and fro -- it's all they can
do to hang on. Picard scans the navigational console.
PICARD
There's an M-Class planet in this
system. Can we reach it?
PILOT
I will try.
As the Pilot works...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT ONE 13.
11 ANGLE - WINDOW (OPTICAL)
as a distant planet comes into view.
12 RESUME SCENE
As before, trembling.
PICARD
Inertial dampeners are off-line...
life support is failing...
PILOT
Entering the planet's
atmosphere...
(works)
Prepare for impact.
They brace for collision --
13 EXT. SPACE - THE PLANET (OPTICAL)
The shuttlecraft SPIRALS down through the planet's
atmosphere... and disappears from sight...
CUT TO:
14 EXT. PLANET'S SURFACE - NIGHT (OPTICAL)
A rocky, inhospitable surface. It's windy, and large
spider-like formations of PLASMA LIGHTNING can be seen
arcing up from the ground in the distance, lighting up
the darkened sky.
15 MOVE TO REVEAL
The alien shuttlecraft lies wrecked on the surface.
16 INT. ALIEN SHUTTLECRAFT
It's dark. Smoke hangs in the air. Emergency lights
are flickering weakly. The light from the distant
plasma lightning FLASHES through the windows. The
Pilot is slumped over the controls, semi-conscious, a
nasty-looking WOUND on his forehead.
17 ON PICARD
lying on the floor, disoriented. He sits up, grabs
hold of a console and pulls himself to his feet...
looks around the shuttle, spots the Pilot, moves to
him.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT ONE 14.
17 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Voval...
The Pilot stirs slightly and moans in pain. Picard
glances him over, eyeing the wound on his forehead.
PICARD
(continuing)
You may have a concussion... try
not to move.
Picard moves to the COM console...
18 ON COM PANEL
A distinctive panel with several diamond-shaped
controls on it (NOTE: It is undamaged and functioning).
Picard hits a few buttons.
PICARD
(to com)
Picard to Enterprise...
(beat)
Picard to Enterprise... do you
read me?
No response -- just static. He hits a few more
controls... reacts with frustration...
PICARD
I can't get through... too much
interference...
Picard makes his way to the rear of the shuttle and
manages to find his duffel bag amidst the debris. He
opens the bag and pulls out a tricorder, flips it open
and scans in a wide circle...
PICARD
(off tricorder)
There's a structure and some
energy readings... about two
kilometers south of here...
Picard snaps the tricorder shut and moves to the Pilot,
carefully takes off his jacket and wraps it around the
man.
PICARD
I'm going to try to find help. Do
you understand?
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT ONE 15-16.
18 CONTINUED:
The Pilot manages a nod.
PICARD
Try to stay conscious. And don't
leave the shuttle... there's some
sort of plasma energy on the
surface.
(beat)
I'll be back as soon as I can.
Picard moves to the shuttle doors and studies them for
a moment... finds a manual latch, pulls down on it and
forces the doors open...
19 EXT. PLANET'S SURFACE/ALIEN SHUTTLECRAFT - CONTINUOUS
Picard walks outside, bracing himself against the wind.
Somewhere offscreen, plasma lightning is FLASHING. He
scans the region with his tricorder, then begins to
make his way across the rocky terrain with great
difficulty...
20 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Picard trying to move quickly. Offscreen, A BRIGHT
FLASH of plasma lightning causes him to stop and hang
back. After a beat, he presses on. The wind is
howling...
Suddenly, another much larger flash of OFFSCREEN plasma
lightening erupts; Picard is thrown back onto a rock,
where he cracks his head sharply. He falls to the
ground, unconscious.
A few beats go by...
21 A SHAPE
is moving among the rock formations. It's a humanoid
figure... its identity hidden by the dim light. The
figure makes its way toward Picard...
22 CLOSE ON PICARD
still unconscious. After a moment, TWO HANDS reach
into frame and firmly grip him by the shoulders. As
the hands drag him away...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT TWO 17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
23 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse.
24 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS
Worf is lying in bed, fast asleep. After a moment, the
door CHIMES. Worf stirs slightly. The door CHIMES
again and Worf wakes up. He straggles out of bed,
groggy, crosses to the door and touches a control. The
door slides open to reveal --
Ambassador Byleth, who has a stern expression on his
face.
BYLETH
You're late.
WORF
(reacts)
Late... it is oh-five hundred
hours!
BYLETH
I told you last night I wanted to
meet at this time. We are
supposed to tour the arboretum and
bio-labs.
WORF
I do not recall you saying
anything about --
BYLETH
Are you calling me a liar?
Worf bristles.
WORF
No... I simply do not remember the
conversation.
BYLETH
I will have to add this to your
list of inadequacies.
(beat)
Now, don't just stand there. Get
dressed and meet me in the
arboretum.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT TWO 18.
24 CONTINUED:
He turns and walks off down the corridor. OFF Worf's
reaction -- he can't take much more of this...
CUT TO:
25 INT. CORRIDOR
Troi and Ambassador Loquel are walking along, mid-conversation.
Loquel is carrying a elaborate-looking
cup of orange-colored liquid with a straw sticking out
of it -- it looks like the 24th century equivalent of
a "Big Gulp." Throughout the scene, he takes little
sips of it.
TROI
This deck is devoted mainly to
stellar cartography, biological
research, and astrophysics...
Loquel takes a sip of his drink and gives a little moan
of pleasure at the taste. He seems more interested in
the drink than anything else.
TROI
(continuing)
We have over a thousand people on
board, engaged in all facets of
the ship's --
Loquel holds out the drink to Troi.
LOQUEL
Are you sure you don't want some
of this...
(remembers)
This... "papalla juice?"
TROI
No, thank you. I'm still
recovering from all those desserts
last night.
LOQUEL
Are you sure? It is very...
"delicious."
TROI
I'm sure.
Loquel stops, again holds the drink out to Troi,
insistent.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT TWO 19.
25 CONTINUED:
LOQUEL
Please. You have been so kind.
Please.
Finally, Troi takes the cup and takes a cursory sip.
TROI
Yum.
Loquel looks satisfied, takes back the drink. They
continue walking.
TROI
(continuing)
Next we're going to go to Deck
Eight, which is interesting
because it's not really finished.
It's sort of a... multi-purpose
deck...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT TWO 20.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
As Troi speaks, something catches Loquel's attention --
26 LOQUEL'S POV
A MOTHER and her SON (a six year-old boy) walk past a
nearby intersection...
27 LOQUEL
reacts to the sight, curious. He turns and follows the
mother and son.
28 TROI
doesn't notice at first. She keeps walking.
TROI
(continuing)
Sometimes when we need an extra
lab... another cabin, we --
She stops, realizing that Loquel is no longer alongside
her. She glances around, but he's nowhere to be seen.
TROI
(continuing)
Ambassador?
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT TWO 21.
29
thru OMITTED
30
30A INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Troi rounds the corner and stops at what she sees --
30B INCLUDE LOQUEL
who is kneeling before the young boy, holding him with
both hands at arm's length. He turns the boy from side
to side, staring at him with intense curiosity, as if
he's never seen a child before. The boy is staring
back at him with a startled expression on his face.
The mother looks imploringly to Troi. Loquel glances
at Troi.
LOQUEL
(re: boy)
What is this?
Troi approaches Loquel, speaks calmly.
TROI
That's a child.
LOQUEL
"Child"...
TROI
Children are our offspring. Our
young. They grow into adults over
a period of many years... they
grow into beings like us.
Loquel releases the boy, eyes him.
LOQUEL
(re: boy)
Offspring.
TROI
Ambassador, I'm curious... how
does your species procreate?
LOQUEL
(matter of fact)
Post-cellular compounding. We
emerge from the natal pod fully
grown.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT TWO 22.
30B CONTINUED:
TROI
I see...
Loquel turns to the boy, speaks gently.
LOQUEL
(to boy)
Do you have a name?
BOY
Eric...
Loquel smiles at him.
LOQUEL
Eric, do you like... dessert?
After a moment, the boy smiles and nods eagerly.
Loquel looks to Troi and the mother.
LOQUEL
May I give Eric some dessert?
Troi and the mother exchange a look -- then the mother
nods her approval.
TROI
That sounds like a wonderful idea.
As the three walk off together...
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT TWO 23-23A
31 OMITTED
32 INT. CARGO FREIGHTER
CLOSE ON Picard, who is lying on his side on a small
make-shift cot... unconscious. The room is dimly-lit.
Gradually, Picard wakes up... groggy and disoriented...
tries to sit but is too weak... He looks around...
33 PICARD'S POV - THE ROOM
It's a long, tunnel-like room, with a single door along
one side. A few half-charred consoles can be seen...
and several cargo containers, which are nothing more
than shapes in the dim light. The room is CANTED
slightly, as if it's been in a crash.
34 PICARD (OPTICAL)
lays his head back down... takes a ragged breath...
then reacts to a sharp pain in his side. He looks down
at his body...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT TWO 24.
34 CONTINUED:
His shirt is ripped and torn. He moves to touch his
side, and his hand activates a small ENERGY FIELD which
jolts his hand away.
Picard reacts... and sees that a small METALLIC DISC
with several blinking lights on it has been attached to
his rib cage. What is it... ?
A NOISE is heard across the room. Picard looks around,
trying to see in the darkness.
PICARD
Is someone there? Who's there... ?
No answer. But something catches Picard's eye... and
he squints into the darkness... still very groggy...
35 INCLUDE THE ROOM
As one of the dark shapes slowly begins to move, rising
from where it was sitting in a chair. Clearly, it is
a person -- and it is moving toward Picard. Picard
watches with growing concern as the person moves
closer... almost menacing. He tries to sit up...
PICARD
What do you want? Who are you...
A WOMAN'S HAND moves into the light and gently places
a finger on Picard's lips.
WOMAN'S VOICE
Shhh...
The hands lay Picard back down on the cot... placing
his body just so... almost nurturing. Picard looks up
at her, tries to make out her face...
36 ON THE WOMAN (ANNA)
as her face moves into the light. She is human, midthirties...
a very pretty woman whose face has seen
many years of pain. Her skin is very pale... her
clothes torn in a few places, ragged. She wears a
distinctive-looking NECKLACE with a pendant around her
neck.
She stares down at Picard with an unreadable face.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT TWO 25.
36 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Who... are you?
A long moment, then the woman moves back into the
shadows and walks toward the door.
PICARD
(continuing)
Wait. Someone else was with me...
the pilot of the shuttlecraft...
he's wounded... please, he needs
your help...
The woman stops by the door. She speaks, her voice
hoarse.
ANNA'S VOICE
He's dead.
The woman opens the door to reveal the planet's surface
outside. Wind howls into the room, then the woman
exits and slams the door shut.
OFF Picard's reaction -- where is he... and who is this
mysterious woman... ?
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 26.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
37 EXT. PLANET'S SURFACE - CARGO FREIGHTER (OPTICAL)
The ship lies wrecked on the surface.
38 INT. CARGO FREIGHTER
A few hours later. CLOSE ON Picard asleep, lying on
the cot. He wakes with a start, alarmed, and glances
around the room... then finally remembers where he
is...
A small FIRE is now burning in a cargo container the
center of the room. The woman seen earlier is sitting
on a chair a few feet away, silently watching him. Her
face is visible in the flickering light. It's a
mysterious and somewhat eerie sight...
Picard eyes her.
PICARD
Hello...
The woman just stares at him. Picard notices a tray of
FOOD sitting on a crate next to the bed -- a bowl of
soup, a cup of water, and a piece of alien fruit.
PICARD
(continuing, re: soup)
This smells good. Thank you...
He sits up awkwardly, still very weak... takes the bowl
of soup... tries a sip of it. The woman watches him,
looking a little curious now...
PICARD
This is a Terellian cargo
freighter, isn't it? Is this your
ship? Were you one of the crew?
A beat. When she speaks, her voice is hoarse,
halting...
ANNA
No... I was a passenger... we
crashed...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT THREE 27.
38 CONTINUED:
PICARD
How many people survived? Are you
the only one?
She nods. Picard eyes her.
PICARD
(continuing)
Well, you're certainly not a
Terellian... unless you've lost
two of your arms...
She smiles slightly at the humor, and a little of the
tension in her face melts away... the moment is broken.
PICARD
(continuing)
What's your name?
(beat)
I'm Jean-Luc Picard. I'm a
Starfleet officer.
ANNA
Anna.
PICARD
Anna...
(beat)
Anna, is there anyone else on this
planet?
She shakes her head, no.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT THREE 28.
38 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(continuing)
How long have you been here?
She hesitates.
ANNA
I... don't know. You can't see
the sun here... I've... lost track
of time.
PICARD
Do you remember the date your ship
crashed?
She thinks a moment.
ANNA
Stardate... 40812...
PICARD
(reacts)
That's seven years ago.
Anna reacts, disturbed. She stands. It's a
frightening revelation.
ANNA
Years...
PICARD
Anna... it's all right...
She becomes agitated, starts moving about the room.
ANNA
Seven years... I thought... one
year... or two maybe... but how
could it be seven...
PICARD
Anna, listen to me...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 29.
38 CONTINUED: (3)
The sound of assurance in his voice makes her stop.
PICARD
(continuing)
On my shuttle, there's a lot of
equipment that survived the crash.
We can use it to contact
Starfleet. They'll send a ship
for us. We can leave.
She stares at him -- a tiny bit of hope creeps into her
expression.
ANNA
Leave?
PICARD
Yes. Both of us. If you can get
me back to the shuttle...
He tries to sit up, he winces in pain. Anna quickly
moves to him, lays him back down.
ANNA
Don't move... it's bad...
PICARD
Don't worry... I won't move.
She takes a breath -- focuses her thoughts and looks at
him.
ANNA
You have... three broken ribs...
She indicates the device on Picard's side.
ANNA
(continuing)
The restriction device... will...
hold the bones in place... let
them...
She can't find the words... interlocks her fingers to
demonstrate...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 30.
38 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
Let them knit... let the bones
knit...
She smiles at him, and for the time we can see she has
a lovely smile.
ANNA
(continuing)
It's been a long time.... since I
talked to anyone...
A beat, then she sits down on a crate by the bed,
thoughtful.
ANNA
(continuing)
I used to talk... to myself. But
then I thought... it might mean
that I was crazy. So I stopped
talking...
She takes a moment.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 31.
38 CONTINUED: (5)
ANNA
It will be a while before you can
walk.
PICARD
Anna... maybe you could go to the
shuttle... bring the equipment
back here...
ANNA
(nods)
I can do that.
PICARD
Good.
(beat)
Go into the cockpit, and look for
a small com panel in the center of
the instrument bay. See if you
can remove it, and bring it to me.
She nods, determined.
ANNA
Stay in bed. I'll be back.
She moves to the door... walks out side and shuts the
door. There's a beat, then the door opens again and
she walks inside the doorway and moves to him. She
lightly touches his face.
PICARD
What is it?
ANNA
I just... wanted to make sure you
were real.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 32.
38 CONTINUED: (6)
A beat, then she EXITS. OFF Picard's face as he lies
back down, exhausted...
39 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse.
40 INT. ENGINEERING
Worf and Byleth are walking through the room, Worf
showing him around. GEORDI is working in the
background, as well as a couple of Engineering N.D.s.
Worf is trying his best to be polite. He indicates the
large back-wall graphic of the Enterprise.
WORF
The Engineering sections encompass
twelve decks of the secondary
hull. Deck forty-two contains the
antimatter storage facility. Deck
thirty-six houses the --
BYLETH
(cuts in)
What is the mass flow rate of the
antimatter replenishment stream to
the containment pods?
Worf looks at him, thrown off by the detailed technical
nature of the question.
WORF
Excuse me?
BYLETH
The antimatter replenishment rate.
What is it?
WORF
I am... not certain of the exact
rate.
Byleth glances around the room, impatient.
BYLETH
Perhaps there is someone here who
does know the answer.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT THREE 33.
40 CONTINUED:
Byleth looks at Geordi, moves to him.
BYLETH
You. Are you smarter than this
one?
Worf looks at Geordi, seething. Geordi hesitates, on
the spot, not sure how to respond -- there's no good
answer to this question.
GEORDI
Ah... well... why do you ask?
BYLETH
Never mind.
Byleth walks off toward the warp core chamber, eyeing
it with interest. Worf takes a breath, then moves to
him.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT THREE 34.
40 CONTINUED: (2)
BYLETH
I wish to see the Bussard
collectors. Take me to them.
It's all Worf can do to keep from strangling him.
WORF
This way.
Worf leads him onto the ELEVATOR. There is an awkward
moment as they position themselves stand side-by-side,
very close. Byleth begins to sniff the air around
Worf.
BYLETH
Do you bathe?
OFF Worf's outrage...
41 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Worf, Riker and Troi. Worf is on his feet, fuming.
WORF
I am going to kill him! With my
bare hands, I will take his neck
and --
RIKER
Worf.
Worf paces around the room, wild-eyed, angry.
WORF
I have failed in my mission,
Commander. I am clearly a bad
diplomat. For the sake of the
ship and the Federation... I
request reassignment.
RIKER
Denied.
WORF
But Commander, these Iyaarans are
irritating... arrogant... They
cannot be reasoned with!
TROI
Ambassador Loquel is quite
pleasant.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 35.
41 CONTINUED:
They look at her.
TROI
I will admit, he's a little...
unusual.
RIKER
What have you learned about him so
far?
TROI
He seems preoccupied with...
recreation. In the past two days,
I've spent more time in Ten
Forward and the Holodeck than I
have in the past two months.
(beat)
And he's obsessed with food.
Especially chocolate.
RIKER
You must be in heaven.
TROI
To be honest... he's even testing
my limits...
WORF
(seizing on this)
You see? They are insane!
TROI
Worf... you've been patient with
Ambassador Byleth, and that's
good. But maybe it's time to let
him know that some behavior is
unacceptable to us. I think it's
all right to suggest limits for
the Ambassador...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 36.
41 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
Maybe we need to loosen things up
a little bit... meet in a less
official capacity.
WORF
Like what?
RIKER
Well... how about a friendly game
of poker?
Troi smiles, sparking to the idea. OFF Worf's doubtful
expression...
42 EXT. PLANET'S SURFACE (OPTICAL)
The crashed cargo freighter, as seen before.
43 INT. CARGO FREIGHTER
It's hours later. Picard is lying on the cot, alone.
The fire is still burning. A quiet moment passes...
then Picard reaches for the cup of water -- it's empty.
He glances across the room, sees a large jug of water
sitting on the floor. He decides to get up...
Slowly, painfully, he manages to get to an upright
position... hobbles out of bed and across the room to
the jug of water. The exertion is intense, he's
sweating... he takes a long drink of water then sets
down the jug...
He looks around the cargo room... He carefully makes
his way to the door, trying not to jar his ribs too
severely. He grabs a handle on the door and tries to
open the hatch -- it won't budge. It's locked.
He's definitely puzzled by this. He turns and looks
around for another exit, but there are no other doors.
As he considers, there is a CLANG of metal at the door,
and it swings open, letting in blast of WIND which
almost knocks Picard off his feet.
Anna ENTERS. She's shocked to see him on his feet.
ANNA
What... what are you doing? Get
back in bed!
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 37.
43 CONTINUED:
She takes him by the arm and gently but firmly guides
him to a nearby chair.
PICARD
Anna... why is the door kept
bolted from the outside?
ANNA
For your protection...
PICARD
From what?
ANNA
There are dangerous animals here.
(changing subject)
I got the com panel... it's right
here.
She moves to the door, opens it, comes back inside
holding the small gray COM PANEL from the shuttle. She
carries over to Picard and sets it on a cargo container
near him.
ANNA
(continuing)
It wasn't easy... I had to force
open the equipment bay to get
it...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 38.
43 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard begins to examine the com panel, tapping
controls, tries to get it working.
PICARD
If I can boost the output field,
I might be able to send out a
distress signal...
Still no response from the com panel. Picard is
puzzled.
PICARD
(continuing)
There's something wrong with it...
He turns over the com panel, and reacts to what he
sees...
44 ON THE COM PANEL
The rear of the com panel is CHARRED with SCORCH MARKS,
heavily damaged.
45 RESUME
Anna looks worried.
ANNA
What's the matter?
PICARD
The entire transmitter module's
been destroyed...
Picard eyes the charred circuitry a moment... then sets
down the com device. He looks at her, wanting an
answer.
PICARD
How did this happen? It looks as
though it's been hit by a phaser
blast.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 39-40.
45 CONTINUED:
ANNA
I had to use a phaser to cut it
free... maybe I accidentally
damaged it... you can fix it,
can't you?
PICARD
No.
Anna stares at the com device. She looks suddenly
anxious. She stands.
ANNA
I'm sorry.... I'm sorry...
She begins to cry softly.
ANNA
(continuing)
I'm sorry...
Picard lays a hand on her, comforting. He speaks
quietly.
PICARD
We will get out of here, Anna.
But it's not going to be easy...
we need to work together...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 41.
45 CONTINUED: (3)
Anna raises her head and looks around the dark and
decimated room... remembering her experiences here...
ANNA
I can't believe I did that...
ruined our one chance... after
waiting so long...
She retreats into memory, reliving some of her
experiences here...
ANNA
(continuing)
At first, I kept hoping that I'd
be rescued... every day I'd set up
a microfusion flare... and I'd
look up in the sky and wait for
someone to take me away...
(beat)
... and it never happened.
She gets a haunted look in her eyes...
ANNA
(continuing)
There's a precipice near here...
I used to go there and stare down
into the gorge... and think... I
could just step off... and it
would all be over...
(beat)
Then I realized... it was the hope
that was driving me crazy... I had
to accept that I was never going
to get out of here...
She looks into his eyes... there is a desperation in
her face.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT THREE 42.
45 CONTINUED: (4)
Picard stares at her for a long moment.
PICARD
Anna... no matter how long it
takes, we will get out of here.
A beat... then she nods, feeling better. She carefully
helps Picard back into the chair. As she lays him
down, she leans in close and gently strokes the side of
his face. She looks absorbed in the intimacy of the
moment...
ANNA
(continuing)
From the moment I saw you, I knew
you were here to save me...
(beat)
I'll do anything you want... just
don't leave me. I don't want to
be alone again...
And she moves closer to him... closer... her eyes
closing, mouth parting... and she kisses him tenderly
on the lips. She pulls away... and whispers into his
ear...
ANNA
(continuing)
I love you...
A moment. Then she turns and walks away. As Picard
watches her go, clearly uncomfortable and concerned
with what's just happened...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
46 EXT. PLANET'S SURFACE (OPTICAL)
The crashed cargo freighter, as seen before.
47 INT. CARGO FREIGHTER
It's a few hours later. Picard is standing on top of
a cargo container, working at an OPENED PANEL on the
wall. He's trying to dismantle a COMPONENT (A POWER
CELL) from its position in the circuitry.
After a moment, the door opens and Anna ENTERS. She's
carrying a small SACK. Her appearance has changed.
She has cleaned herself up quite a bit, and her hair is
tied back in a simple but pretty style. Clearly, she
has made an effort to be more attractive.
She doesn't see Picard at first.
ANNA
(excited)
I found some coltayin roots.
They're not much to look at... but
they taste good...
She sees Picard and stops, alarmed.
ANNA
What are you doing?
She moves to him. Picard is preoccupied with his work,
doesn't look down at her.
PICARD
Trying to dislodge this power
cell...
Anna moves to him, suddenly agitated.
ANNA
You're... going to hurt yourself
up there... let me...
PICARD
I've almost got it...
(works)
There.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/09/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
47 CONTINUED:
Picard yanks out the power cell. He gingerly steps
down off the container, wincing at the pain in his
side. Anna helps him down, and he sets the cell on a
table and sits down in the chair. He starts examining
the cell.
PICARD
(re: cell)
Its energy relays are corroded...
but it might be able to hold one
more charge...
(beat)
If I can regenerate the cell... we
may be able to reactivate the
shuttlecraft's engines...
Picard works on the device. Anna watches him a moment,
not liking the fact that his attention is on this
device and not on her. She moves to sit near him and
smiles.
ANNA
Well... I'd say this is cause for
celebration...
She starts digging through the bag of roots.
ANNA
(continuing)
You know, I may still have some
Terellian spices around here... I
could boil these roots and make a
nice broth for us...
Picard's attention stays focused on the power cell.
PICARD
Sounds delightful...
He keeps working. Anna pulls out a ROOT and begins to
peel it with a small knife. She keeps looking at him,
thoughtful...
ANNA
Jean-Luc... if we ever do get out
of here... will you promise to
show me this starship of yours...
this Enterprise?
PICARD
Of course.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/09/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
47 CONTINUED: (2)
She holds his gaze for just a little too long.
Clearly, she is becoming infatuated with him. Picard
breaks her look.
PICARD
If you'll hand me my tricorder, I
think I can repair these energy
relays.
She picks up Picard's tricorder, and as she passes it
to him she takes the opportunity to hold his hand.
Picard stops.
ANNA
I meant what I said before...
(beat)
I do love you.
Picard takes a deep breath, sets down the com panel.
He has no choice but to confront the issue head on now.
He doesn't want to hurt her feelings, but it must be
dealt with. It's awkward.
PICARD
Anna. I... care for you a great
deal. I am grateful that you
saved my life... you are a warm
and compassionate person. I have
a great deal of sympathy for what
you've gone through... alone...
here on this planet...
(beat)
But I don't think you're really in
love with me.
Anna reacts, genuinely surprised.
ANNA
How can you say that? Of course
I love you...
Picard chooses his words carefully.
PICARD
I'm the first person you've seen
in seven years. And I've brought
you the hope of leaving this
place...
(beat)
Isn't it possible that your
feelings are a little... confused
right now?
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT FOUR 46.
47 CONTINUED: (3)
ANNA
No... I know how I feel. And I
love you.
This is getting difficult. Picard tries to help her
understand.
PICARD
Look... sometimes when a person
has gone through a traumatic
experience, like yours... they
come to look upon the person who
rescues them as a sort of...
larger than life figure.
Sometimes they become infatuated
with their rescuer. They may even
think that... they're in love with
that person...
Anna thinks about this a moment.
ANNA
So... you're not attracted to me.
PICARD
That's not true. You're a very
lovely woman. I just think this
is... a little premature. We
don't know anything about each
other.
Anna looks away... grows very thoughtful... and finally
seems to yield a little.
ANNA
I understand... and I'm sorry if
I made you uncomfortable.
Picard nods.
PICARD
It's all right.
He picks up the tricorder and works it a moment. He
aims the tricorder at the power cell and hits a control --
the power cell HUMS and starts to GLOW. Picard looks
pleased.
PICARD
It'll take a couple of hours for
the power cell to charge. After
that, we'll have to take it to the
shuttle immediately. The cell
casing is already breaking down...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT FOUR 47.
47 CONTINUED: (4)
Picard looks at her and smiles gently.
PICARD
We're going to get out of here,
Anna.
She smiles back, hopeful. Picard turns his attention
back to the cell...
Anna keeps looking at Picard, and her hopeful
expression darkens. She looks thoughtful... almost
worried about something. OFF her look...
CUT TO:
48 INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS
Riker, Loquel, Troi, Worf and Byleth are sitting around
a table in that order, playing five card draw. The
Ambassadors are clearly new at the game. Loquel is
eating from a small plate of chocolate candy, which he
keeps nibbling on during the scene.
RIKER
I'll bet ten.
Riker tosses in a chip. He looks to Loquel.
RIKER
Ambassador, the bet goes to you...
Loquel considers his cards, which are smudged with
chocolate.
LOQUEL
I will... "see" the bet.
(excited)
And I will... "raise" ten.
He tosses in two chips.
TROI
That's twenty to me...
Troi tosses in two chips. Worf studies his cards a
moment.
WORF
I'm in. And I raise twenty.
He tosses in four chips.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FOUR 48.
48 CONTINUED:
BYLETH
You are -- you are...
(finds the word)
...bluffing.
Worf shoots him a look. Quickly and with feeling,
Byleth tosses four chips into the pile -- but Worf
notices that Byleth surreptitiously takes two of them
from Worf's pile!
WORF
(to Byleth)
Excuse me, Ambassador. Those are
my chips.
BYLETH
You are in error. Those chips are
mine.
WORF
I saw you take two chips from my
pile.
Byleth's eyes widen. He stands.
BYLETH
You dare to accuse me of stealing?
Worf stands and faces him, glaring.
WORF
Yes.
BYLETH
You are lying because you are
losing the game!
WORF
Perhaps I am losing because you've
been cheating all along!
It looks like this might come to blows.
RIKER
Wait a minute, let's just calm
down...
BYLETH
(ignoring Riker)
Even if I were cheating, how would
a plodding animal like you know
it?
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FOUR 49.
48 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
(outraged)
You are an insulting, pompous
fool! If you were not an
Ambassador, I would disembowel you
right here!
BYLETH
Do not let my title inhibit you,
Klingon!
Byleth gives Worf a little SHOVE. Worf's eyes widen
with rage -- that's it. He GRABS Byleth and THROWS HIM
into the wall.
RIKER
Lieutenant Worf -- stop! That's
an order!
Worf tries to restrain himself, though he's trembling
with rage. Byleth looks at him -- suddenly very
pleased.
BYLETH
Yes! Good!
Without warning, he KICKS Worf backward, sending him
slamming against the wall. Worf is enraged. The two
men FIGHT -- each of them getting off a PUNCH or two
before Riker finally GRABS Worf and holds him back.
BYLETH
(recovering)
Wonderful... very good!
Everyone looks at him.
BYLETH
Thank you, Lieutenant Worf. I
think I understand now. That was
a very effective demonstration.
Worf looks at him in astonishment.
WORF
What?
BYLETH
If you will excuse me, I would
like to document this experience.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FOUR 50-51.
48 CONTINUED: (3)
Byleth swiftly EXITS. Riker, Worf and Troi exchange a
confused look... then they to Loquel, who is sitting in
his chair, eating a piece of chocolate. He looks up at
them and smiles.
OFF their mystified reactions...
CUT TO:
49 EXT. PLANET SURFACE (OPTICAL)
The crashed cargo freighter.
50 INT. CARGO FREIGHTER (OPTICAL)
A while later. Picard is working on the power cell,
which is still humming and glowing. Anna sits nearby,
quietly watching him...
PICARD
The power cell's ready. We need
to get to the shuttle...
She tenses.
ANNA
We can't go right now...
PICARD
Why not?
ANNA
The plasma storms are too
strong... it's dangerous. Wait
a few hours... then we'll go.
PICARD
We don't have a few hours. I told
you, the cell's already
degrading...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FOUR 52.
50 CONTINUED: (2)
Anna moves to him, gently tries to convince him to
stay.
ANNA
Jean-Luc... it's a difficult
journey... The restriction field
will make it hard for you to
walk...
PICARD
I'm feeling much better now. And
I don't intend to use this any
longer...
He pulls aside his shirt and reaches for the device,
but Anna quickly stops him.
ANNA
(quickly)
No... you can't remove it yet --
Picard pulls away from her.
PICARD
(firm)
Anna.
She stops. Picard reaches for the device, and his hand
is jolted back as it emits an ENERGY FIELD.
Determined, Picard grabs the device. He winces at the
pain as the FIELD FLASHES ON AND OFF for a moment --
then he pulls off the device.
He looks down. There is no wound on the side of his
body -- no sutures, nothing. Picard takes a deep
breath and moves around his arm experimentally. There
is no pain. He slowly looks up at Anna... realizing...
putting everything together... very suspicious now...
PICARD
There's no pain. It would seem
that my ribs weren't broken after
all...
ANNA
Jean-Luc...
PICARD
(hard)
What the hell's going on? Why are
you trying to keep me here?
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FOUR 53.
50 CONTINUED: (3)
ANNA
Please... I love you...
Picard ignores the remark -- presses on, wanting
answers.
PICARD
Why do you keep me locked inside
this freighter? You say there are
dangerous animals... but I've yet
to see or hear a single one of
them...
ANNA
Jean-Luc...
PICARD
And what about that com panel?
You said you damaged it while
cutting it out of the shuttle...
Did you? I find it hard to
believe you would be that clumsy
with the one piece of equipment
that could save you after seven
years.
Picard holds up the device.
PICARD
(re: device)
And what was this really for... to
keep me immobilized?
Anna is frightened. She backs away, starting to break
down.
ANNA
Please... I was so afraid... I
didn't want you to leave me...
PICARD
So you found it necessary to hold
me captive?
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FOUR 54.
50 CONTINUED: (4)
ANNA
I was scared... I wanted you to
stay... to love me...
She starts to cry softly. Picard eyes her a moment,
decides not to encourage her feelings in any way. He
sits down and starts preparing the power cell.
PICARD
I'm going to go find that shuttle
myself...
ANNA
No...
Anna's face fills with intense emotion and she rushes
at him, wraps her arms around his neck and shoulders --
pulls him close and kisses him passionately. Picard
pulls away.
PICARD
Anna...
ANNA
Don't fight me...
She kisses him again, this time more insistently.
Picard reaches up, takes her arms and firmly pulls her
away and breaks the kiss.
PICARD
Anna, no.
A look comes over Anna's face -- puzzled, disturbed...
and vaguely threatened.
ANNA
You should love me now. We're
together... we depend on each
other... I know more about you...
(beat)
Love me.
Anna forcefully throws him back onto the ground. She
grabs his face and forces herself on him, kissing him
with a strange ferocity. The moment builds, then --
Picard manages to THROW her off of him.
PICARD
Stop it!
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FOUR 55.
50 CONTINUED: (5)
Anna looks at him for a moment... confused... hurt...
and then her face changes. She looks suddenly very
serious.
ANNA
I failed... you don't love me...
it's over...
She turns and races for the door.
PICARD
Anna, wait... where are you going?
Picard moves to grab her, but she pulls away. As it
happens, Picard's hand catches her necklace and it
BREAKS away from her neck as it pulls into his hand.
Anna quickly EXITS. The door slams shut.
PICARD
Anna!
Picard moves to the door, dropping the necklace by the
fire. He tries to open the door, but it's locked. He
thinks, looks around the room, picks up a metal bar and
starts to work at the door, trying to force it open...
He works for a moment... then there's the sound of
heavy FOOTSTEPS outside. Picard stops, listens... the
steps come closer... and then a MAN'S VOICE:
VOICE
(calling out)
Hello! Is anyone in there?
PICARD looks to the wall opposite the door, following
the voice.
VOICE
(continuing)
Hello!
PICARD
Over here! There's a door on the
opposite side!
The footsteps pause... then start moving around the
freighter. Picard pounds a fist on the door.
PICARD
(continuing)
Over here! The door's over here!
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT FOUR 56.
50 CONTINUED: (6)
A couple of beats... then there's the sound of the door
being unbolted from outside. The door opens to reveal:
51 VOVAL
the shuttle pilot -- he's alive and well.
OFF Picard's shocked reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/08/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
52 INT. CARGO FREIGHTER
Continuous action. Picard and the Pilot looking at one
another in surprise. (NOTE: The small insignia pin
seen earlier on the Pilot's sternum is now gone -- this
is a subtlety that neither we nor Picard should
notice.)
PICARD
Voval...
The Pilot enters and Picard shuts the door. The Pilot
is tired, but he looks okay.
PICARD
(continuing)
I thought you were dead...
The Pilot looks at him.
PILOT
Dead?
PICARD
Yes. There's a woman who lives
here... she went to the shuttle...
she told me you were dead...
The Pilot realizes what must have happened.
PILOT
Yes... that is understandable...
(explains)
When my species is injured, our
metabolic rate slows until our
body can heal itself...
(beat)
This state could easily be
mistaken for death.
PICARD
I see...
The Pilot shivers a little, cold -- and he moves to the
fire and begins to warm himself. Anna's necklace is
visible on the floor next to the fire.
PILOT
When you did not return to the
shuttle... I attempted to track
you.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FIVE 58.
52 CONTINUED:
PILOT (Cont'd)
The surface conditions made it
very difficult...
(shivers)
So cold...
The Pilot glances toward the door, concerned.
PILOT
I saw someone running away from
here... was it the woman?
PICARD
Yes...
PILOT
Why would she leave this shelter?
PICARD
She was upset.
The Pilot considers this -- he looks worried.
PILOT
Do you think she might... harm
herself?
(off his look)
There's a dangerous precipice near
here... she was headed in that
direction...
Picard eyes the Pilot, curious at the statement.
PICARD
It's possible...
PILOT
Then we should go find her.
A beat. Picard is a little suspicious of the Pilot's
urgency to find her, but he decides to play this out.
PICARD
All right. You stay here -- warm
yourself. I'll go look for her...
The Pilot moves to join him.
PILOT
We will go together.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FIVE 59.
52 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard nods. The Pilot opens the door and they EXIT.
53
thru OMITTED
55
56 EXT. PLANET'S SURFACE - ROCK LEDGE (OPTICAL)
A short time later. Picard and the Pilot stop at a
LEDGE that overlooks a bottomless CHASM. The Pilot
looks into the darkness below with concern.
PILOT
Captain -- this ridge extends for
a kilometer in either direction.
I suggest we separate -- we can
search it twice as fast.
Picard nods and they head in opposite directions...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/08/93 - ACT FIVE 60.
57 EXT. PLANET'S SURFACE - ROCK LEDGE - ANOTHER LOCATION
Picard walking... searching... calling out...
PICARD
Anna!
He keeps walking for a moment... then he sees something --
58 PICARD'S POV (OPTICAL)
Visible in the distance, standing near the edge of the
cliff -- is Anna. She's staring down into the chasm.
PICARD
Anna...
Picard quickly makes his way to her. Anna does not
even look up at him. She's despondent.
ANNA
Get away from me...
Picard stops several feet away from her. He eyes her
a moment, not sure whether she's willing to carry out
her threat. But he's determined to find out what's
really going on... and he tries to draw out her true
intentions...
PICARD
You don't have to do this. I
found Voval, the shuttle pilot --
he's still alive. He can help us
get away...
ANNA
I don't care.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/08/93 - ACT FIVE 61.
58 CONTINUED:
Anna shifts her weight to one leg, and her body sways
for a moment. Picard tenses, afraid she's going to
jump -- but she turns around to face him.
ANNA
I'll jump... unless you promise...
to love me...
PICARD
Anna --
59 PICARD'S POV
ON ANNA'S NECKLACE, which is now back around her neck.
60 RESUME PICARD (OPTICAL)
He knows something is definitely wrong here. His
expression hardens.
PICARD
No... no, I won't promise that.
You've been manipulating me,
haven't you?
ANNA
Jean-Luc, what are you saying?
PICARD
Your necklace. I broke it. It
was lying in the cargo freighter,
by the fire... I left it there.
(beat)
Now it's whole again and back on
your neck. How?
She ignores the inquiry.
ANNA
Tell me about your love... I must
know...
Picard is starting to put the pieces together...
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FIVE 62.
60 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Where's Voval? Isn't it
convenient that he arrived at the
freighter only moments after you
left... and then he insisted that
I come looking for you. He took
me here to the ledge... where I
found you... on the cliff, about
to jump. Very well-timed,
wouldn't you say?
Anna steps dangerously close to the ledge.
ANNA
Jean-Luc...
PICARD
Are you working together? Voval's
the only one who could've gotten
the necklace and given it to
you...
ANNA
(urgent)
Tell me about your love -- or I
will jump!
PICARD
Go ahead.
She blinks, unsure how to react to that statement.
PICARD
(continuing)
What are you waiting for? It's a
long fall... at least two hundred
meters. You should die
instantly... if that's what you
really want.
She glances down into chasm.
PICARD
(continuing)
But somehow, I don't think it is.
A long beat as Anna's expression fades to resignation.
She steps away from the ledge... and touches the
pendant on her necklace --
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FIVE 63.
60 CONTINUED: (2)
ANNA TRANSFORMS INTO THE PILOT, VOVAL. The necklace is
now gone, and in its place we see that Voval is
touching the small insignia pin at his sternum, which
is actually an alien holographic projection device.
PILOT
I have failed.
Picard reacts, trying to understand.
PICARD
Failed. Voval... what was the
purpose of all this?
Voval looks disappointed.
PILOT
My name is Ambassador Voval.
PICARD
Ambassador...
PILOT
My mission was to study human
intimacy... specifically the
concept you call love...
Picard is astonished.
PICARD
You staged the crash... faked my
injury... and arranged all this to
see if I would fall in love with
you?
PILOT
(innocently)
In our study of your culture, we
did not understand certain
concepts. So we sent three
representatives to study them...
to experience them...
Picard takes a moment.
PICARD
What gave you the idea that
trapping me here would give you
the opportunity to explore love?
The Pilot gestures at the environment.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FIVE 64.
60 CONTINUED: (3)
PILOT
Several years ago, we discovered
the remains of the Terellian
freighter on this planet. The
ship contained logs made by a
single survivor -- a human woman.
That was our first contact with
human culture...
(beat)
The woman lived alone here for
seven years... until another human
crashed on this planet. A human
male...
PICARD
(realizing)
And that man was injured... the
woman nursed him back to health...
they fell in love...
PILOT
(nods)
In the logs, she described many
concepts we found difficult to
understand. Pleasure...
antagonism... love. These were
alien to us. We wished to
experience them ourselves.
(beat)
Ambassador Loquel was sent to
experience pleasure... Byleth was
sent to experience antagonism.
And I was sent to experience...
love. Was this wrong?
Picard takes a moment -- it all makes sense now.
PICARD
Well... let's just say that we're
not used to such a... direct
approach.
(beat)
Ambassador Voval... I must tell
you that in our culture, what
you've done would be considered
dangerously close to a crime.
Voval looks at him in confusion.
PILOT
(tries the word)
"Crime... "?
Picard sees that they have a big gulf to cover.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FIVE 65.
60 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
We can... talk about that later.
Picard looks around the rough terrain.
PICARD
(continuing)
The first order of business would
seem to be getting off this
planet. Am I to assume the
shuttle is not as badly damaged as
it looked?
PILOT
That is correct. I only simulated
the crash. We can leave at any
time.
PICARD
Then let's go...
As they turn and walk off across the rough terrain...
CUT TO:
61 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse.
62 INT. SHUTTLEBAY
The Iyaaran shuttlecraft is sitting in the bay with its
doors open. Picard and Voval are getting out -- Picard
in his jacket, carrying his duffel bag. They have just
returned.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/09/93 - ACT FIVE 66.
62 CONTINUED:
Riker, Worf, Troi, Loquel and Byleth are ENTERING the
room together, saying their goodbyes. The mood is
upbeat. As they make their way to the shuttle...
63 RIKER, WORF AND BYLETH
walking along, mid-conversation. Byleth is fine, but
Worf is rubbing his back and shoulders, clearly in a
great deal of pain. Riker takes note.
RIKER
(to Worf)
You seem a little sore...
Worf nods and groans a little.
BYLETH
(explains)
Lieutenant Worf was kind enough to
engage me in eleven hours of
Holodeck battle exercises.
RIKER
(reacts)
Eleven hours...
BYLETH
I learned a great deal about the
concept of antagonism.
Worf smiles at the memory.
WORF
It was... excruciating.
64 TROI AND LOQUEL
stop at the shuttlecraft. Loquel turns to face Troi
and hands her a stack of plain brown WAFERS.
LOQUEL
(re: wafers)
Counselor, these are bio-enzymatic
supplements that my people consume
for food. I'm afraid you will
find they are not as...
delicious... as your chocolate.
Troi takes the wafers and smiles.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - REV. 07/07/93 - ACT FIVE 67.
64 CONTINUED:
TROI
After the past few days... I could
use something a little bland.
As Loquel returns her smile...
65 PICARD AND VOVAL
standing at the shuttle, face-to-face.
PILOT
Thank you, Captain. This has been
an enlightening experience.
PICARD
For me as well, Ambassador.
Voval frowns a little.
PILOT
And I am sorry if our...
diplomatic methods offended you.
PICARD
On the contrary. I found your
approach... intriguing.
(off his look)
We humans tend to take a rather...
balanced approach to life. Never
too much, never too little. It's
nice to find a culture that's
willing to take an experience to
its furthest extremes.
Voval smiles.
VOVAL
Goodbye, Captain.
STAR TREK: "Liaisons" - 07/06/93 - ACT FIVE 68.
66 WIDE ON EVERYONE
as Voval, Loquel and Byleth bow ceremoniously. Picard
joins Riker, Worf and Troi, and they all bow in return.
It's a warm moment.
The three Ambassadors turn to board their shuttlecraft.
OFF the proud faces of Picard, Riker, Worf and Troi...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END